Here’s why you should never tie ribbon to your luggage

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Here’s why you should never tie ribbon to your luggage

We’ve all done it at least once: tied a small, colorful ribbon to our suitcase to spot it more quickly on the baggage carousel. After all, among hundreds of black, blue, or gray suitcases, how are you going to find yours without a little personal touch? But beware: according to some airport employees, this well-known trick could actually backfire…

Airport handling company warning

Jean, a baggage handler at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport, revealed a detail that few travelers suspect. According to him, ribbons and other identification markers can disrupt the automatic baggage sorting systems. As a result, your suitcase could get stuck, requiring manual checks… and therefore risking missing your flight! 

His advice is clear: ditch the ribbons, stickers, or old travel tags still clinging to your suitcases. “These things can interfere with barcode scanners,” he explains. In short, the  cleaner and more properly labeled your suitcase is , the better your chances of arriving at your destination without a hitch.

Luggage mistakes to absolutely avoid

Besides the famous ribbon, Jean also warns about another unexpected item: marzipan! Yes, this almond treat, due to its density, could be mistaken for suspicious material by detectors. Moral of the story: it’s better to enjoy it before the flight than risk an extra security check. 

Another little-known but valuable tip: before placing your suitcase on the carousel, check that the wheels are facing upwards. This prevents them from being damaged during transport or loading into the hold. A simple little step that can extend the life of your luggage!

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